Africa Links 24 News: Heartland makes a comeback to Owerri with NPFL lifting ban on Dan Anyiam Stadium

Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-04-19 04:06:01

The Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) has recently made a decision that could potentially save Heartland of Owerri’s season. The club has been struggling to find a suitable home stadium to play their matches in the ongoing 2023/24 season. However, the NPFL has now granted them provisional approval to play their remaining home games at Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri.

Since the start of the second stanza of the season, Heartland has been playing their home games at Enyimba Stadium in Aba and Awka Township Stadium. This was due to their home turf being deemed unsuitable for NPFL matches. The approval to use Dan Anyiam Stadium comes after observed improvements on their pitch during a recent inspection.

It is important to note that this approval is only provisional and does not guarantee that Heartland will be able to use the stadium in the following season. The club will have to undergo another comprehensive review of the facilities at the stadium to ensure that they meet the requirements set by the Club Licensing criteria.

Heartland’s first game at Dan Anyiam Stadium following this approval will be against Shooting Stars on Matchday 31. Currently, Heartland is struggling in the league, sitting at 19th place out of 20 teams with only 26 points from 30 matches. They will need to secure victories in at least five of their remaining eight games in order to have a chance of staying in the league.

In addition to their own performance, Heartland will also be hoping that teams like Akwa United, Sunshine Stars, and Bayelsa United drop points in their remaining matches. These teams are currently sitting just above Heartland in the league table and are within reach if they can capitalize on their games in hand. Akwa United, Sunshine Stars, and Bayelsa United have 34, 35, and 36 points respectively.

Rivers United, who are currently in 17th place on the table, also have a chance to climb higher in the standings as they have six outstanding games due to their involvement in the CAF Confederation Cup. With 34 points currently, they have the potential to move up if they perform well in these deferred matches.

Overall, the approval to use Dan Anyiam Stadium provides Heartland with a glimmer of hope in what has been a challenging season for the club. They now have the opportunity to fight for their place in the league and potentially secure their status for the following season.